How to Become a Deputy Sheriff in Florida

Broward County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Office (954-321-4400) provides law enforcement and fire rescue services to a multitude of municipalities, as well as the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, and the Broward County Courthouse.

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This guide provides the process you’ll follow to become a Broward County Sheriff Deputy. To learn how to become a Broward County Sheriff Deputy, you must complete the following steps for obtaining Broward County Sheriff Department jobs:

  1. Become a Certified Officer in Florida
  2. Meet all minimum requirements for employment
  3. Successfully pass the Swimming and Basic Motor Skills modified physical agility test
  4. View all available job listings and submit an application
  5. Undergo remaining tests, evaluations and examinations

Step 1: Become a Certified Officer in Florida

All officers in the state of Florida, including Broward County Deputy Sheriff jobs, must hold a current and active Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Basic Recruit Certificate of Compliance from the State of Florida or its equivalent.

Step 2: Meet All Minimum Requirements for Employment

In addition to holding an FDLE certificate of compliance, you must meet the following minimum requirements for Broward County Sheriff Department jobs:

  • At least 19 years old
  • A United States citizen
  • A high school diploma or GED
  • No felony convictions or perjury convictions
  • A valid Florida’s driver license without any restrictions
  • DD214 Member 4 form (Veteran’s preference)

Step 3: Successfully Pass the Swimming and Basic Motor Skills Modified Physical Agility Test

You must successfully pass the Swimming and Basic Motor Skills modified agility tests before you submit an application employment. The results of these tests must accompany your completed employment application. These agility tests take place at the Broward County Criminal Justice Testing Center (954-201-6790).

Step 4: View All Available Job Listings and Submit an Application

You can view all Broward County Sheriff Department job openings and job listings on the Broward Sheriff’s Office website. First-time users must first register with the system using a valid personal email address. For more information regarding current listings for Broward County Deputy Sheriff jobs, you can contact the Human Resources office at 954-321-4400, Option 5 or at [email protected].

If a job listing for Broward County Deputy Sheriff jobs is available, you may download the application packet and submit it to:

Bureau of Human Resources
Rob Cochran Public Safety Complex
2601 West Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

It is important to remember that all sections of the job application must be completed to be considered for any Deputy Sheriff position in Broward County. In addition to your job application you must send your resume, transcripts, a cover letter, and all other requested documents to the Broward County Sheriff’s Human Resources within 5 business days:

Fax:  954-321-4815
Email:  [email protected]

Mailing Address:

BSO Human Resources
Selection and Assessment
2601 W. Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Step 5: Undergo Remaining Tests, Evaluations and Examinations

All applicants who qualify for Broward County Deputy Sheriff jobs are contacted to complete an extensive selection program, which may include:

  • An evaluation of training and experience
  • A written test
  • A computer-based test
  • An interview
  • A polygraph examination
  • A psychological evaluation
  • Fingerprint and background check
  • Medical examination
  • Drug screen

The expected length of the selection process is 12 to 16 weeks.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida (813-247-8200) is a full-service law enforcement agency that includes more than 4,000 detention deputies, law enforcement officers, and civilians.

If you want a Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff Deputy job there are a number of steps you must take. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to become a Hillsborough County Sheriff Deputy:

  1. Achieve state certification
  2. Meet all minimum qualifications for Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff jobs
  3. Submit a profile and take a pre-screen questionnaire
  4. Successfully pass the Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA)
  5. Undergo a personal interview and a polygraph examination
  6. Undergo an oral interview
  7. Undergo a background investigation
  8. Be referred for selection and receive a Conditional Offer of Employment (COE)
  9. Complete the final phase of pre-employment testing
  10. Complete training

Step 1: Obtain State Certification

The State of Florida requires that all sworn police offers complete a law enforcement program through an accredited college or approved state training center in Florida and pass the state’s certification exam (or equivalent). You can learn more about the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Basic Recruit Certificate of Compliance here.

Step 2: Meet Qualifications for Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff Jobs

To qualify for Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff jobs you must meet the minimum qualifications set forth by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department. All applicants must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be a United States citizen
  • Possess a valid driver’s license (and a valid Florida’s driver license at the time of your appointment)
  • Possess a certified copy of your birth certificate
  • Possess a Social Security card
  • Have no tattoos that are visible to the public while wearing the standard uniform
  • No history of drug use
  • Have no felony convictions or history of domestic violence, providing false statements, or perjury
  • Have not used tobacco within 6 months of applying for employment
  • Live in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, or Manatee County at the time of appointment

Step 3: Submit a Profile and Take a Pre-Screen Questionnaire

All applicants must submit a profile and take a pre-screen questionnaire to determine if they meet all of the minimum requirements to achieve Hillsborough County Sheriff Department jobs.

To create a profile you must access the Profile Portal on the HSCO Careers Page. The Recruitment and Screening office will contact you if you qualify for Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff jobs. You will then be given directions on completing the Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA).

Step 4: Successfully pass the Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA)

All law enforcement deputies of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office must successfully pass a Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA). Before you can take the PAA you must submit a Medical Clearance form completed by your physician.

The PAA is performed at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Training Division, 1409 North Falkenburg Road, North Tampa, FL 33619. At the time of the PAA you will be expected to bring a number of required documents with you, including:

  • Civil service notification including FBAT/CJBAT scores
  • high school and college transcripts
  • Resume
  • Copy of birth certificate
  • Two copies of your driver’s license
  • Two copies of your Social Security card
  • Copy of military discharge papers (if applicable)

Step 5: Undergo a Personal Interview and a Polygraph Examination

Once you successfully pass the PAA you will be contacted to schedule an interview at which time your employment application will be reviewed with you. In addition, you should expect to be fingerprinted, to be photographed, and to undergo a polygraph.

Step 6: Undergo an Oral Interview

Individuals who pass the personal interview and polygraph examination are then asked to stand in front of an Oral Board, which consists of three ranking members of the Sheriff’s Office Command staff.  Only those candidates who pass this phase of the pre-employment process are eligible to complete employment processing.

Step 7: Undergo a Background Investigation

The background investigation portion of the pre-employment process is only available to candidates who have successfully completed all other phases.

Step 8: Be Referred for Selection and Receive a Conditional Offer of Employment (COE)

Candidates who have completed all stages of the pre-employment process are referred for Selection, and a select few receive a Conditional officer of Employment (COE).

Step 9: Complete the Final Phase of Pre-employment Testing

Should you receive and accept a Conditional Offer of Employment you will be scheduled to complete the final phase, which includes taking a pre-employment drug test, a psychological evaluation, and a second polygraph examination. Once you have successfully completed the drug test, psychological evaluation, and polygraph examination you will be placed into a pool of eligible candidates.

Step 10: Complete Training

Those selected from the pool of eligible candidates will attend a two-week Sheriff’s Orientation Training, a six-month police academy, and 8 to 10 weeks of module training.

Miami Dade County Sheriff Department / Police Officer Jobs

The Miami-Dade County, Florida Police Department employs 2,900 sworn officers, all of whom are tasked with promoting a safe and secure environment by maintaining order and providing the safe flow of traffic.

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To learn how to become a Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Deputy and meet eligibility requirements for jobs the department posts, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Become a Certified Officer in Florida
  2. Meet all minimum qualifications
  3. Submit an application for employment
  4. Interview for Miami-Dade County Sheriff Deputy Jobs
  5. Complete the new hire processing appointment and pre-employment physical
  6. Undergo physical and drug screenings
  7. Undergo a criminal background check

Step 1. Become a Certified Officer in Florida

All officers in the state of Florida must hold a current and active Basic Recruit Certificate of Compliance. Detailed information regarding the Florida Basic Recruit Certificate of Compliance can be found here.

Step 2. Meet all Minimum Qualifications for Miami-Dade County Police Department Jobs

To qualify for Miami-Dade County Police Department jobs you must first ensure you meet the minimum requirements for employment, which include:

  • Must have 20/30 (corrected) or 20/100 (uncorrected) eyesight
  • Must be able to distinguish the colors red, green, and yellow
  • Weight must be in proportion to height

Step 3. Submit an Application for Employment

You can apply online through the Miami-Dade County Human Resources department. You must first register before applying for Miami-Dade County Sheriff Jobs. You can view instructions on how to register here.

Once you register and create a profile you can make changes to your application and follow-up on your application to determine whether you have been selected for an interview.

Before you start completing your application, you should have the following information/documents ready:

  • Driver’s license number and expiration date
  • List of employers, including dates and titles
  • List of schools, including dates and degrees earned
  • Earned licenses and certificates, including issue and expiration dates and the names of licensing or certifying bodies

Step 4. Interview for Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Deputy Jobs

At your interview you will be required to present all documents necessary to achieve employment with the Miami-Dade County Police Department, which include:

  • Basic Recruit Certificate of Compliance
  • Acceptable photo identification
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship

You may then receive a conditional job offer based on your interview and begin the hiring process.

Step 5. Complete the New Hire Processing Appointment and Pre-employment Physical

You are required to bring two forms of identification (accepted forms of identification are listed here) to the new hire processing appointment with the New Hire Center (They will call you to schedule an appointment.) and the following completed forms:

  • W-4 (Employee withholding allowance)
  • I-9 (Employment eligibility verification)
  • Fingerprint and ID Information
  • Death Beneficiary Designation
  • Accidental Death Insurance
  • Loyalty Oath
  • FRS New Employee Certification

All forms can be found online through Miami-Dade County Human Resources.

Step 6. Undergo Physical and Drug Screenings

All physical exams and drug screenings are scheduled by the hiring department, and all examinations are performed at no costs to the candidates by healthcare providers associated with the Jackson Health System.

Step 7. Undergo a Criminal Background Check

Only those candidates who have successfully completed all other steps in the hiring process and have been extended a contingent job offer are eligible to undergo a fingerprint-based national criminal background check.

Orange County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (407-254-7000), which provides law enforcement services to Orange County, Florida, is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the southeastern United States, employing more than 2,400 sworn officers and civilian employees. In addition to the more than one million residents within the jurisdiction, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for an additional 45 million tourists who visit Orange County every year.

If you want to learn how to become an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy, follow this step-by-step guide for a chance to fill open jobs:

  1. Meet all basic minimum qualifications for Orange County Sheriff Department jobs
  2. Submit an application for employment
  3. Take the Physical Abilities test
  4. Take the Written Skills test
  5. Undergo a Voice Stress Analysis test
  6. Complete a Panel Interview
  7. Pass the swim test
  8. Undergo fingerprinting and a background investigation
  9. Receive a conditional job offer and complete employment processing

Step 1. Become a Certified Officer in Florida

To obtain Orange County Deputy Sheriff jobs you must graduate from a law enforcement program through an approved state training center in Florida or through an accredited college and successfully pass Florida’s state certification exam (or equivalent). You can obtain more information about the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Basic Recruit Certificate of Compliance here.

Step 2. Verify you Meet Qualifications for Orange County Sheriff Department Jobs

To qualify for Orange County Deputy Sheriff jobs you must meet a set of minimum requirements, which include:

  • You must be at least 20 years old
  • You must be a U.S. citizen
  • You must have a valid driver’s license for at least one year
  • You must have two or fewer moving violations in the last 3 years
  • You must have no convictions for DUI in the last 5 years
  • You must have no felony convictions
  • You must have no misdemeanors related to domestic violence or purgery
  • You must have no dishonorable discharge
  • You must have no used illegal drugs in the past 3 years
  • You must be in good, physical condition

Step 3. Submit You Job Application

Because the Orange County Sheriff’s Office only accepts employment applications through their e-Recruiting system, it is important to check with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office website to see if applications are currently being accepted for Orange County Deputy Sheriff Jobs.

Once you have determined that the Sheriff’s Office is hiring for Orange County Deputy Sheriff jobs you can apply using the online application. Before you can apply, however, you must complete a Pre-Screener Questionnaire. Upon meeting the Department’s minimum requirements you will be directed to the employment application.

Step 4. Take the Physical Abilities Test

Only select candidates will be chosen to take the Physical Abilities Test and move on in the pre-employment process.

All candidates for sworn positions within the Orange County Sheriff’s Office must complete a Physical Abilities test, which includes:

  • 15 push-ups in one minute or less
  • 25 sit-ups in one minute or less
  • 1.5-mile run in 18 minutes or less

Step 5. Take the Written Skills Test

The written skills test involves watching a video of a deputy taking a report. All candidates are required to take notes and complete a report following the video. You can expect to be scored on the number of facts you correctly reported, in addition to your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Step 6. Undergo a Voice Stress Analysis Test

Only those individuals contacted by the Sheriff’s Department can move onto the next phase of the pre-employment process, which includes undergoing a Voice Stress Analysis (truth verification).

Step 7. Complete a Panel Interview

Those candidates who pass the Voice Stress Analysis are scheduled to complete a panel interview, which includes three sworn officers of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. You can expect to be asked a series of job-related questions during the interview.

Step 8. Pass the Swim Test

The swim test may be administered by any certified swim instructor at a local YMCA or city swimming pool.

Step 9. Undergo Fingerprinting and a Background Investigation

All candidates who are chosen to proceed with the employment process undergo fingerprinting and the background investigation.

You may also be required, at this time, to participate in a ride-along with a Deputy Sheriff (A Recruiter will schedule the ride-along for you.).

Step 10: Receive a Conditional Job Offer and Complete Employment Processing

Upon the successful completion of the fingerprinting and background investigation, chosen candidates will receive a conditional job offer. Once the conditional job offer is accepted, you must complete a medical exam, drugs screen, and a psychological evaluation.

The average processing time between application and job offer is about 4 to 6 months.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Department Jobs

The Palm Beach County, Florida Sheriff’s Office (561-688-3000) consists of 1,492 sworn law enforcement officers who are tasked with overseeing Palm Beach County’s nearly 2,400 square mile jurisdiction.

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If you’re interested in learning how to become a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputy review these step-by-step instructions:

  1. Achieve FDLE Certificate of Compliance
  2. Meet minimum requirements for Palm Beach County Sheriff Department Jobs
  3. Submit an online application and all required documents
  4. Complete computer-based testing
  5. Successfully pass a structured oral interview
  6. Undergo background check
  7. Undergo a polygraph test/medical examination/drug screening
  8. Receive approval by Sheriff and receive a final Offer of Employment letter
  9. Attend the Criminal Justice Academy

Step 1.  Achieve FDLE Certificate of Compliance

All sworn police officers in the state of Florida must be certified through the state. To do so, you must graduate from a law enforcement program through an accredited college or approved state training center in Florida and pass the state’s certification exam (or equivalent).

Step 2. Satisfy Requirements for Palm Beach County Sheriff Department Jobs

You must also meet the minimum requirements for Palm Beach County Sheriff Department jobs to qualify for employment with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department:

  • You must be 21 years of age.
  • You must be a United States citizen.
  • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • You must have no domestic abuse or violence convictions.
  • You must have no felony convictions.
  • You must meet the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Good Moral Character guidelines.
  • You must have no perjury misdemeanor convictions
  • You must have no convictions of any first or second degree misdemeanors within the last 3 years.
  • You must have not been dishonorably discharged
  • You must have a valid Florida driver’s license.
  • You must have not used tobacco products within the last year preceding your application for employment.
  • You must have not used marijuana in the last year or other illegal drugs in the last 3 years preceding your application for employment.

Step 3. Submit an Online Application and all Required Documents

You must apply online through the Palm Beach County PROD Oracle System (you must register with the system the first time). You may want to reference the General Instructions guide when applying online.

You must also complete and submit all requested documentation and Application Part 2 along with your employment application to be considered for Palm Beach County Sheriff Deputy jobs.

Your application will go through a selection process that includes an evaluation of training and education and a review of your attendance records.

Step 4. Complete Computer-based Testing

If you are chosen to continue the employment process you will be contacted by the Hiring Department via the email you provided in the application and required to complete computer-based testing. Additional information on computer-based testing is posted with each job application.

Step 5. Successfully Pass a Structured Oral Interview

Upon successfully completing the computer-based testing, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment for a structured oral interview. All candidates must achieve a minimum score of 3.0 (on a 5-point scale) to continue on with the employment process.

Step 6. Undergo Background Check

The background check for Palm Beach County Sheriff Department jobs includes a criminal history check, an intake of documents, and credit checks. A successful background check may result in a conditional of employment letter.

Step 7. Undergo a Polygraph Test/Medical Examination/Drug Screening

Only those candidates who pass the polygraph test, medical examination and drug screening will be considered for employment with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department.

Step 8: Receive approval by Sheriff and receive a final Offer of Employment letter

Wait to receive approval by Sheriff and receive a final Offer of Employment letter.

Step 9: Attend the Criminal Justice Academy

The entire application process may take up to ten weeks. Along with a final Offer of Employment letter, you will be invited to participate in the Criminal Justice Academy in Florida, which lasts about 22 weeks.

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